In 2018, the Laurel County Cattlemen’s Association was provided $150,000 by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund to administer the CAIP (County Agricultural Investment Program) cost-share program for Laurel County producers. Individuals who were approved for grant funding were required to participate in continuing education programs to assist with their agricultural diversification projects. To accommodate this educational component, I have conducted several programs this year to provide training opportunities for our producers.

One training that I found to be very beneficial for farmers who wanted to apply for the CAIP cost share funds was a workshop about the components and requirements of the program.  During the workshop, David Coffey from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services presented information about the importance and legal obligation of a water quality plan. He demonstrated the process of developing a plan through the NRCS website, but also offered to assist producers with the plans at his office. Representatives from the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, Bill McCloskey and Tammy Miller, were also on hand to answer questions.  A total of 37 people attended the event, including nine females.  

Another educational opportunity that I conducted several times this year is Beef Quality Care Assurance (BQCA) Training. This nationally designed program teaches standardized guidelines for beef cattle production to ensure proper management techniques and help raise consumer confidence in the quality of beef products. A total of 23 producers, including 5 females, completed the training and received BQCA Certification.  In November, Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner Ryan Quarles was a guest presenter as he discussed the current situations of Kentucky agriculture and his vision for the future.  Other workshops included Private Pesticide Applicator training, which certified 36 individuals; a farm recordkeeping workshop that was attended by 14 people; and tobacco GAP training of 18 individuals.